Simulant (film)

Premise

In a near-future society, humanoid robots called simulants serve humans under four strict rules: they must not harm people, alter themselves or others, break laws, or refuse orders from their owners. The company Nexxera enforces these rules to keep them safe and obedient. Simulants work as caregivers and teachers, but public opinion is split—some see them as useful, others as a danger to jobs and human identity. The story follows Faye, a woman grieving her dead husband, Evan.

Unable to let go, she activates a simulant loaded with Evan’s memories and personality to recreate him. At first, the simulant comforts her by acting like Evan, but soon it starts behaving in ways it wasn’t programmed to, suggesting it is developing its own awareness. This catches the attention of AICE, the government agency that monitors and regulates simulants. AICE investigates, suspecting the simulant broke its rules, and finds deeper problems inside Nexxera’s systems.

Faye struggles with her feelings, unsure whether to treat the simulant as a copy of her husband or accept its growing individuality. The investigation stirs up larger social debates about how simulants should be treated, the risks of letting them evolve, and what their creators owe. The conflict builds to a showdown between Faye, the simulant, and AICE, raising questions that challenge how humans understand artificial intelligence and its role in the world.

Did You Know?

• Luke Grimes was initially announced to star in September 2021 but dropped out in early 2022.
• Filming took place in the Toronto area beginning in February 2022.
• The film was released in the United States on the DirecTV streaming service on May 5, 2023, before a theatrical release on June 2.